Tanzania is strengthening its global lithium market position through strategic government initiatives and international investment. A ban on raw lithium exports has spurred downstream investments, while programs like the Tanzania Critical and Strategic Mineral Strategy aim to improve resource management. Collaborative partnerships and private sector participation are further enhancing investment opportunities in lithium exploration and production.
Tanzania is enhancing its role in the global lithium market through government initiatives and active involvement from international mining companies. Following a 2023 ban on raw lithium exports, the nation has seen significant investment aimed at bolstering downstream projects, with various initiatives underway to facilitate further growth in the sector.
To attract new investments in the lithium and critical minerals sector, the Tanzanian government has instituted several strategic programs. In late 2024, it introduced the Tanzania Critical and Strategic Mineral Strategy, which focuses on optimizing resource management for lithium through improved exploration, mining, and local processing. Stakeholder consultations are currently in progress to refine the initiative’s implementation.
In parallel, the Geological Survey of Tanzania launched a 73 billion TZS High-Resolution Airborne Geophysical Survey project, set to map the country’s mineral resources, including lithium. With less than 20% of the area surveyed, the goal is to cover 50% of Tanzania’s mineral landscape by 2030, thereby facilitating investments and exploration activities.
Moreover, Tanzania is collaborating with the Minerals Security Partnership, a coalition of 14 Western nations and the European Commission. This partnership is aimed at enhancing financing opportunities, sharing technical expertise, and fortifying critical mineral supply chains to promote investments in lithium and graphite production.
The private sector’s involvement is accelerating as various international mining firms, such as AustChina and Titanium Lithium, invest in exploring and developing lithium resources within Tanzania. Recent discoveries of high-grade deposits and lithium-bearing minerals are generating local excitement. CGrowth Capital also identified promising lithium deposits in the Dodoma Region, further proving Tanzania’s potential.
Upcoming events like African Mining Week will showcase Tanzanian lithium initiatives, connecting developers with potential investors. This platform will emphasize prospects across Tanzania’s lithium value chain and is set to occur alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference in Cape Town, from October 1 to 3, 2025.
Tanzania’s strategic governmental initiatives and the growing interest from international mining companies are significantly strengthening its position in the global lithium market. Strategic programs, partnerships, and private sector participation are driving investments that boost exploration and development within the sector, positioning Tanzania as a notable player in lithium production and supply.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
